The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security advisory to its citizens ahead of the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement released on Friday, the Embassy warned that the demonstration—expected to take place around Eagle Square and the Central Business District—could result in traffic disruptions, roadblocks, and possible clashes between protesters and law enforcement agencies.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens that the Free Nnamdi Kanu Now protest has called for peaceful demonstrations on Monday, October 20, 2025. There may be roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations between police and protestors that could turn violent around Eagle Square and the Central Business District,” the statement read.
The Embassy therefore advised U.S. citizens to avoid protest areas and limit non-essential movement throughout the city on the day of the protest. It also urged parents to keep their children at home and recommended that domestic staff commuting from outside Abuja stay home for safety reasons.
Additionally, American residents in Nigeria were encouraged to maintain heightened security awareness and adhere to official advisories.
The protest was announced by Omoyele Sowore, activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on October 9. Sowore described the protest as a “historic and peaceful demonstration” aimed at demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021 following his controversial extradition from Kenya, is currently facing terrorism-related charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Embassy’s advisory underscores rising security concerns ahead of the protest, which coincides with renewed calls for a political resolution to Kanu’s prolonged detention.
